Introduction
Miso butter corn is a delightful side dish that brings together the rich umami flavor of miso with the sweet, tender kernels of corn. This recipe enhances the natural sweetness of corn with crispy bacon, garlic, and a hint of green onion, making it a perfect accompaniment to various meals. Whether served on its own or as part of a corn taco, this dish is bound to impress with its unique flavor profile and vibrant presentation.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Miso Butter:
– 30g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/2 tbsp white miso (shiro miso)
Corn:
– 200g / 7oz streaky bacon, chopped into 1cm / 1/2″ pieces
– 3 cups corn kernels, preferably freshly cut off 3 – 4 corn cobs or frozen and thawed
– 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
– 2 tbsp cooking sake, optional (substitute with mirin or dry sherry)
– 1/8 tsp white pepper (substitute with black pepper)
– 1 cup green onion, cut into 0.5cm / 0.2″ slices
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Yield
4 servings as a side dish
The preparation begins with creating the miso butter by mixing softened unsalted butter and white miso until well combined. For the corn, the bacon is cooked until golden in its own fat, followed by the addition of corn kernels and garlic. The corn is sautéed to achieve a sweet flavor, and cooking sake is incorporated for an extra touch. Finally, the miso butter is stirred in along with the cooked bacon and green onion for a rich, savory finish. Enjoy this dish as a standout side or as part of a delightful corn taco with your favorite toppings!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Miso Butter Preparation
In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and white miso. Mix until the two ingredients are thoroughly combined and set aside.
Cooking the Bacon
Chop the streaky bacon into 1 cm (1/2 inch) pieces and add it to a large non-stick pan without any oil. Turn the stove onto medium-high heat. As the pan heats up, the fat from the bacon will begin to melt. Cook the bacon for 3 to 4 minutes, or until it becomes golden brown. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Reserve the bacon fat left in the pan for cooking the corn.
Cooking the Corn
If there is less than 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan, add additional butter to ensure there is enough fat for cooking. Keep the heat on medium-high and add the corn kernels to the pan. Stir the corn only every minute or so to allow it to develop nice golden patches. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until the corn is just tender and sweet. After 5 minutes, add the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds. If using cooking sake, pour it into the pan and stir until it evaporates, approximately 15 seconds.
Combining Ingredients
Turn off the stove and add the prepared miso butter to the cooked corn and garlic mixture. Stir until the miso butter is completely melted and incorporated. Add the white pepper, cooked bacon, and sliced green onions, and toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the miso butter corn as a side dish. It can also be deliciously enjoyed in a corn taco topped with a fried egg and avocado.
Notes
Miso
Look for “white miso” or “shiro miso” in stores. If using red miso, use about 1 heaped tablespoon as it has a more intense flavor.
Corn
Freshly cut corn is recommended for the best texture. If using frozen corn, be prepared to cook it a little longer to allow it to thaw and dry out. Canned corn can be used, but it may not develop the same golden spots due to excess moisture.
Cooking Sake
Cooking sake is a key component in Japanese cooking and can be found in the Asian section of grocery stores. It adds a depth of flavor, but if unavailable, substitutes include mirin, Chinese cooking wine, or even water.
Recipe Credit
This recipe is adapted from David Chang’s Roasted Summer Corn with Miso Butter. Adjustments were made to reduce the saltiness by lowering the amount of miso used and omitting chicken stock.
Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days and can also be frozen for future use.
Cook techniques
Mixing Miso Butter
Combine softened unsalted butter and white miso in a small bowl until fully blended. This creates a creamy and flavorful base for your dish.
Rendering Bacon Fat
Place chopped bacon in a cold large non-stick pan. Heat on medium-high, allowing the fat to render as it cooks. This method ensures the bacon becomes golden and crispy while utilizing its own fat for cooking.
Sautéing Corn
Add fresh or thawed corn kernels to the pan, ensuring that you have enough fat left from the bacon. Only stir occasionally to allow the corn to develop golden patches while cooking for about 5 minutes.
Incorporating Garlic
After the corn is nearly cooked, add finely minced garlic and stir for an additional 30 seconds. This enhances the flavor profile of the corn dish.
Deglazing with Sake
Pour in cooking sake (or a substitute), stirring until it evaporates. This step lifts and incorporates any caramelized bits from the pan, contributing to the overall flavor.
Finishing with Miso Butter
Turn off the stove and add the pre-made miso butter to the pan. Stir until melted and evenly coats the corn, bacon, and green onions.
FAQ
What type of miso should I use?
Use white miso (shiro miso) for a milder flavor. Red miso can be substituted, but use slightly less due to its stronger taste.
Is fresh corn necessary for this recipe?
Freshly cut corn yields the best results, providing a drier texture for sautéing. Frozen corn can be used but may require longer cooking time. Canned corn is not recommended for achieving golden spots.
Can I use substitutions for cooking sake?
Yes, you can substitute cooking sake with mirin, dry sherry, or even water if needed. The key is to use a liquid to help deglaze the pan.
How long can leftovers be stored?
Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The dish can also be frozen for later use.
What are some serving suggestions?
Serve this dish as a side or in a corn taco topped with a fried egg and avocado for a delicious combination.
Conclusion
This Miso Butter Corn with Bacon dish combines the sweetness of corn, the savoriness of bacon, and the umami flavor of miso for a delightful side that can elevate any meal. Its ease of preparation and the ability to adjust flavors to your preference makes it a versatile choice for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Corn and Miso Soup
A warm soup made with corn, miso, and a splash of cooking sake for depth, garnished with green onions.
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Combine corn, chopped bacon, and some flour to create savory fritters, perfect for brunch or as a snack.
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Toss fresh corn kernels with a dressing made from miso, olive oil, and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing salad.
Grilled Corn on the Cob with Miso Butter
Brush corn on the cob with miso butter before grilling for a delicious smoky flavor.
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Create a grain bowl with miso-cooked corn, sautéed veggies, and a poached egg on top for a satisfying meal.
Bacon Corn Dip
Blend corn, cream cheese, bacon, and miso for a creamy, savory dip perfect for parties.
Miso Butter Roasted Vegetables
Toss your favorite vegetables in miso butter before roasting for a flavorful side dish that complements any main course.
